Kaunas residents on Wednesday in Jonava defeated the “Klaksvik” team from the Faroe Islands 1:0 and for the first time in history reached the main stage of a European tournament.
The Lithuanian champions will still play two qualifying rounds, during which it will be determined in which league the strongest team in the country will compete in autumn and early winter – UEFA Champions, Europa, or Conference.
The link to the exceptional victory of “Kauno Žalgiris” was the Croatian Željko Sopičius, who took over the team just over a month ago, but instead of rejoicing, he launched quite a few arrows at the LFF.
The coach was bothered by the transfer window closing two weeks ago – this means that the Kaunas club, which will continue the season at least until mid-December, can no longer register new players for the Top League and LFF Cup tournaments.
“I want to say that I am very happy to be here, in Kaunas, but I would also like to say that I simply do not understand some things. I cannot understand how the local football federation closes the transfer window on July 15… I understand that the federation cares about all clubs playing in the championship, but it should also think about those playing in Europe. It should think about what is best for Lithuanian clubs, help us… How can I achieve results with players from the street, I repeat – from the street, because the transfer window is already closed? I am not a miracle worker… I think in the future you must think about this and make different decisions because it would be better for Lithuanian football. I know you are a basketball nation, but you must do this. When you have money, you can buy. We have now earned some money and will probably spend it. I must talk to the president and hope we will find an agreement,” the Croatian complained.
On Thursday, the LFF itself responded to Ž. Sopičius’s complaints. It issued a statement saying that the registration period dates were set according to FIFA rules, also taking into account the opinions of clubs and the competition calendar.
We present the full LFF statement:
“Player registration periods are set according to FIFA rules. Two registration periods can be scheduled per year, the dates of which must be agreed in advance and submitted to FIFA through the International Transfer System TMS.
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Every year, the Lithuanian Football Federation contacts clubs and asks for their position regarding the registration periods for the following year. Taking into account the opinions of clubs and the competition calendar, dates are set and submitted to FIFA by the LFF.
“First of all, we congratulate “Kauno Žalgiris” on the historic result. We understand the coach’s comment – as the club continues to compete in European tournaments, the opportunity to strengthen the team becomes especially relevant.
It is the federation’s duty not only to follow established procedures but also to listen when they pose real challenges to clubs in practice. The coach speaks from daily work experience with the team and provides specific arguments why a later registration period could be beneficial for Lithuanian clubs participating in European tournaments.
Until now, the second player registration period in Lithuania took place from June 15 to July 15, and clubs had not expressed a need to change these dates. However, FIFA rules allow choosing another period – it is important that it takes place mid-season, lasts from four to eight weeks, and the dates are submitted to FIFA within the set deadlines.
Therefore, when preparing the competition calendar and registration periods for the next year, this issue will be discussed again with the clubs. If clubs see the need to schedule the second registration period at a different time and agree on it, the LFF will consider such a decision and submit the chosen dates to FIFA no later than 12 months before they take effect,” said Vaidotas Zajarskas, head of the football development department.”
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